Law Enforcement

The Police Department performs all law enforcement functions, focusing primarily on traffic violations such as speeding, drunk driving, vehicle violations and drug interdiction. The Department also participates in the Safe and Sober campaign and is equipped with the most modern equipment such as radios, radar and in car computer.

To report an emergency, please dial 911 immediately. For non-emergencies, contact the Cuyuna Police Department at 218-546-2692. If nobody answers please leave a message. If you need to speak to an officer immediately and it's a non emergency please dial 218-829-4749 and speak to a Crow Wing County Sheriff's Department Dispatcher.

The Cuyuna Police Department was established January 1, 2000 and is located in the old fire hall building west of City Hall on Foley Street.

The Police Department performs all law enforcement functions, focusing primarily on traffic violations such as speeding, drunk driving, vehicle violations and drug interdiction. The Department also participates in the Safe and Sober campaign and is equipped with the most modern equipment such as radios, radar and in car computer.

From it’s inception in January of 2000, Former Chief Timothy Leonard had been instrumental in organizing the Department. Chief Leonard was a 29 year Law Enforcement veteran having served 11 years with the Crosby Police Department and most recently retiring from the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Department as Sergeant with 18 years of service. Chief Leonard retired in 2014 with 14 years of service as Chief of Police for the Cuyuna Police Department.

Chief of Police Jesse Smith, a 34 year resident of Cuyuna, started in January of 2000. Officer Smith’s law enforcement career started with the City of Deerwood in 1997. In 1999 Officer Smith was hired as a Police Officer for the City of Crosby . Chief Smith was the 2nd in command from 2000 to 2007 when Smith was promoted to Deputy Chief for Cuyuna Police Department. Smith was promoted to Chief of Police in 2014 and is the current Police Chief for the Cuyuna Police Department.

Officer Pat Pickar was hired by the Cuyuna Police Department in 2012. Pickar has been a Crow Wing County Sheriff's Deputy since 1997. Pickar was promoted to Deputy Chief for the Cuyuna Police Department in 2014.

Officer Kelly Park began working as patrolman for Cuyuna Police Department in 2002. Officer Park is a fulltime Deputy with the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Department currently serving in the transport division.

Officer Richard Kangas began his duties with the Cuyuna Police Department in 2005. Officer Kangas has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Psychological Services. Officer Kangas is currently employed at Grand Rapids College as the Dean of the College, and used to work Boat and Water enforcement for the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Department during the summer months.

Officer Tom Mount was hired by the Cuyuna Police Department in 2010. Mount also works for the Crosby Police Department.

Officer Steve Kovasic was hired by the Cuyuna Police Department in 2013. Kovasic is the Department's Firearms, Defensive Tactics, Taser and Use of Force Trainer. Kovasic also is the Trainer for the Hibbing Community College.

Officer Mike Van Horn was hired by the Cuyuna Police Department in 2015. Van Horn also works for the Crosby Police Department.